The Role of TVET in Mitigating Climate Change among SMEs

Business enterprises, particularly small and medium scale enterprises (SMEs) are the mainstay of many economies, but are faced with a lot of challenges, including climate change impacts.This work investigated the role of TVET in mitigating climate change among SMEs. Questionnaire survey was conducted on 210 SMEs randomly selected in the three economic hubs: Awka, Onitsha and Nnewi in southeast Nigeria. Results showed that the level of awareness on climate change was low and that even though businesses contribute to it, they were mostly not aware of that. Much of the SMEs use sources of power that is less climate friendly (generators) than other more environmentally friendly options (mainly solar energy).The SMEs have requisite knowledge about their businesses but their level of awareness on TVET and adaptive capacity to climate change are low. Their levels of education did not determine or influence their knowledge on TVET; hence the need to expose firms and the society to its rudiments. Formal education was perceived as a better method of teaching TVET, but needs to be combined with informal education so that much of the staff of SMEs could be reached more effectively. Transfer of information on green industrialization was deemed necessary and methods such as: using experienced entrepreneurs,seminars/workshops, annual training, government enforced training and short courses/internships (in decreasing order of effectiveness) were identified as veritable pathways to achieving that. There is need to sensitize the SMEs to have plans for managing climate risks and promote the use of technologies that are not only recent, but are climate friendly and green. TVET has the capacity to actualize the desired green industrialization and climate change adaptations among SMEs, but will require proactive measures such as promoting new forms of education for employees, ongoing training within companies, establishing vocational centres and exposing the younger generation to such initiatives all through their formal education process

Energy Demands and the Place of Biofuel Technology and Forest Management Initiatives

Energy is an indispensable driver of development in our society and depended on to run daily activities and functions. To a great extent, the bulk of the energy supply are from fossil fuel; whose costs are increasing becoming huge and its inherent consequences and impact on the environment glaringly undeniable. This work reviewed the impact of the growing energy consumption trend, major sources, need for an alternative that is friendly to the environment and devoid of financial, political and trade uncertainties. Various forms of bio-fuel were seen as viable options to consider  in the quest for improved energy provision. Among the various forms of bio-fuels, forest based bio-fuel was seen as a potential source of the much needed clean energy considering its ubiquitous nature. This however needs to be sustainably utilized and optimized across different spatial scalesby adhering to stipulated forest management guidelines and use efficiencies. The study advocates that there should be a gradual reduction on fossil-based fuel use and maximizes bio-fuels which are much readily available in different forms in our environment. Through such concerted efforts, fossil fuel-driven climate change associated impacts and uncertainties will likely become muchreduced.&nbsp

ASSESSMENT OF FOREST LOSS AND DEGRADATION IN NDOKWA-WEST, DELTA STATE

This study examined the extent of forest loss and degradation between 1972 and 2018 in Ndokwawest LGA, Delta State, Nigeria. Landsat multispectral images of 1972, 1987, 2002, 2004, 2014 and 2018 were employed for the study. Image classifications were done using ArcGIS 10.5 and four major classes were identified, namely: forest, settlement, bareground and waterbodies. NDVI values of the images were also calculated using ArcGIS 10.5, while additional NDVI data of the study area were obtained from FORTH Remote Sensing Lab. Data were analysed using charts, time series graphs and multiple regression analysis to determine the extent of change in forest canopy cover and forest health. The protective function of the forests was also observed while examining the change in land surface temperature through the years under study. Results showed that much of the forest cover were lost; about 904km2of forest between 1972 and 2018, mainly from changes to settlements and bare ground. Time series graph showed a decline in the NDVI from 1972 to 2018; an indication of decline in forest health. Significant relationship between forest loss and Land Surface Temperature (LST) with R²= 0.729 was established and the declining NDVI values of the study area was seen to correspond with increasing LST values through the study years. This is an indication of a loss in the protective function of the forests in the study area. NDVI and LST results revealed that the forest zone experienced fragmentation, decline in forest health and protective function within the study period. The study recommended forest conservation and management across the zone and advocated that both the government, stakeholders and individuals contributes to actualizing the target and in turn reduces environmental change impactsin the region.&nbsp

Freshwater Swamp Forest Ecosystem in the Niger Delta: Ecology, Disturbance and Ecosystem Services

Freshwater swamp forests are wetland ecosystems of global importance, especially because they provide very valuable ecosystem services such as regulation of flood and maintenance of water quality, and provide suitable habitat for the conservation of wetland ecosystems (flora and fauna). Though they are hosts to important biodiversity as in other tropical ecosystems, their ecology, function and contribution to ecosystem services are poorly understood. With poor baseline data on this threatened ecosystem across the Niger Delta region and the entire West African region, this thesis explores its ecology, biogeography and the capacity to which this ecosystem sequester carbon, in a bid to better prioritize and inform effective conservation and management. Floristic compositions of the ecosystem were varied in density, diversity and rarity across undisturbed, disturbed and transition (mangrove-freshwater) zones. A total of 138 species within 100 genera and 41 families of taxa were identified across the 24 one hectare forest plots; with variations in dominance according to each of the zones. With a stem density which ranged from 94 – 506 stems ha-1, the ecosystem was seen to be comparable with other tropical forest ecosystems, but were poorer in species richness as a result of the environmental constraints associated with the swamp. Though disturbance (local factors) influenced the pattern of species distribution to a great extent, environmental (regional factors) equally contributed to this variation. Above ground carbon estimates (AGC) were also similar to other African forest ecosystems, with the estimates varying at the plot level mainly due to disturbance gradients. Other variables that contributed to AGC variations included the floristic composition (which were found to be more carbon dense towards the transition zones), tree structure and climatic variables. Other ecosystem services derived from the ecosystem (timber and non-timber forest products) were found to be a major source of sustenance and income generation at varying levels. Household usage and dependence on the forests were mainly influenced by the degrees of remoteness of each community, and whether each of the households had other alternative sources of livelihood. With a poor perception of decline in ecosystem services with usage, the forests has steadily shrunk and degraded

Species Diversity and Modification in Freshwater Swamp Forest Ecosystem: Implications for Conservation and Climate Change

Freshwater swamp forests are wetland ecosystems found across the tropics in seasonally or permanently waterlogged soils. Although they provide valuable ecosystem services, they are poorly known when compared to other tropical forest ecosystems. Beyond its description and few inventories, not much is known with regards to its richness, structure and modifications across theNiger Delta, where it is the most extensive across West Africa. This study assessed the species richness, diversity and modification across 8 one hectare forest plots. Total number of species across the disturbed sites was higher than the ones in the intact sites. In terms of species richness and diversity, the ecosystem was found to be poor when compared with other tropical forest ecosystems. The disturbed forest sites were found to be more modified in its floristic composition, as most pioneer species were replaced with more-light tolerant flora. Such replacements were mostly made up of palms which are less carbon dense when compared with the other native species. Ensuring that forest modification is reduced across the ecosystem are steps towardsensuring that the biodiversity of the ecosystem are conserved and that it remains resilient and capable of coping with future climatic changes in the region

Land Conversions and Forest Dynamics in a Riparian Forest Zone in South East Nigeria

The rate at which forest ecosystems are lost and modified across tropicallandscapes are alarming, yet proper documentation and proactive measures to curtail this still remains a huge challenge in most areas. Thisresearch focused on elucidating the ongoing land use change patternsof a riparian forest landscape, its current impacts on the ecosystem andland surface temperature, as well as its likely future scenarios for thezone. LANDSAT images were downloaded for 1988, 2003 and 2018and used to show the dynamics for the zone, its drivers and their varyingtemperatures. Maximum Likelihood Classification algorithm was usedfor the classification and the land-use classes were categorized as: Waterbody, Farms and Sparse Vegetation, Built-up Areas, Bare Surface, andThick Vegetation. Furthermore, Markov Chain Analysis was employedfor understanding the future patterns of land use change in the zone. Landuse categories experienced changes over the three epochs, but among all,farmlands/ sparse vegetation and thick vegetation had the most significantchanges from 7.70 to 58.67 percent and 73.56 to 20.58 percent, respectively; implying that much of the forestland use/cover (which constitutedthe bulk of the land initially; 73.56 percent) were converted to agricultural land use. This same trend at which agriculture grew in the zone wasseen to affect the land surface temperature for zone (Pearson correlationcoefficient of 0.99 with p = 0.0058 at 0.05 level of significance). Futureprojection for the zone equally showed that agricultural land use willlikely dominate the entire landscape in the coming years and a consequent impact on the climate and ecosystem expected as well. On thatnote, intensive agricultural practices that seek to maximize allocated farmunits were advocated. Such initiatives will help to ensure that agriculturalgrowth is contained within delimited zones so that haphazard cultivations,reductions in ecological value of the forest landscape and consequent climatic impacts could be managed across the region

Forms of Environmental Degradation in Mamu River Basin of South Eastern Nigeria.

Environmental degradation is a current challenge emanating from the man’s quest for survival. River environment are not spared from such unwholesome development. The varying forms of environmental degradation have been studied in 5 sub basins covering the entire drainage basin. In this study, physico-chemical –cum- biological analysis covering the selected 18 water quality parameters were analyzed in dry and rainy seasons to determine their levels of concentration in the laboratory. Soil samples were also collected from the sub basins to analyze the physica properties. The result of the analysis was subjected to statistical analysis. Principal Component Analysis explained 84% of the total variation in water quality and the parameters that loaded highly were mainly metals and heavy minerals. Paired sample T’ test indicated a significant difference in turbidity, dissolved oxygen, temperature, manganese and iron (p ≤ 0.05) while total suspended solids, iron, turbidity, sulphate, temperature, magnesium, calcium, and carbon showed a positive and strong correlations in the rainy and dry seasons. Thus, the tests showed that water quality parameters respond to seasons. The result of the physical properties of the soil revealed a degraded soil orchestrating from poor aggregate stability index of less than 28.77%. Solid waste disposal, excavation of land and other forms of man’s socio-economic activities have also exposed the basin more to degradation and hence posit the need for robust eco-friendly practices within the watershed

Ecosystem Service Potentials and Underlying Influences in a Tropical Rainforest Ecosystem

Tropical ecosystems have vast array of ecosystem services but are largely un-quantified. This study explored the capacity of rainforest ecosystems to deliver ecosystem services and inherent influences that determine such. Forest plots measuring 50m × 50m were set up in 14 locations and used for tree enumeration. Soil samples were collected at four edges and middle of each plot at 0-30cm depth, bulked and analyzed. Aboveground, belowground and soil carbon, and biodiversity variables were equally conducted according to standard procedures. Pearson correlation and regression were used to verify aboveground and belowground carbon relationships and relationships between elevation and carbon capacities, respectively. 85 species within 32 families were enumerated across the ecosystem. Biodiversity patterns showed a diversity index of 3.376, relative dominance of Dialium guineense Willd., (54.34%) and seven other species with ? 1% dominance. Species within the ecosystem possessed provisioning and regulating ecosystem values. Carbon estimates showed aboveground biomass range of 1.73 – 6.50 t/ha-1, percentage soil carbon and soil organic carbon ranges of 4.76 – 8.80% and 17.78 – 91.3 t/ha-1, respectively. Elevation did not generally influence the carbon stock of the ecosystem, but had some influence on percentage soil carbon. Effective strategies that would address the reductions in the services were advocated

Welding Activities and their Associated Impacts in an Urban Area: Necessity for Environmental Standards and Regulation

Welding is an important aspect of industrial process and a viable source of income for a vast majority. It is however characterized by occupational and environmental risks and constitutes much harm due to poor standards and regulations. This study assessed welding activities and its impact on air quality in welding workshops with a view to provide insights on environmental regulations required. Data on air pollution were obtained from 7 welding workshops in Awka town following standard procedures. Notable pollutants identified within the welding environments were: Particulate Matter (PM1.0, PM10, and PM2.5) µg/m3 and chemical compounds: HCHCO (Formaldehyde) mg/m3, Total Volatile Organic Compound (TVOC) mg/m3 , Carbon Monoxide (CO) mg/m3 , and then the Air pollution level (A.P.L). Each of the pollutants contributed to the total air pollution levels without anyone significantly contributing more than others. Particulate matter (PM1.0) and CO were much correlated to the air pollution level than others; and the risks associated with such pollutants used to show the risks and harm welding constituted in the region. With weak regulations and standards as it pertains to the workshops, work ethics and precautionary measures in the area, both welders and non-welders were seen to be prone to the risks emanating from such processes. Adherence to standard procedures and regulations were advocated for safer welding processes

A Geographical Analysis of Urban Sprawl in Abuja, Nigeria

Urban sprawl is a challenge of the century across the globe; however its greatest impact is felt more in developing countries mainly due to its poor planning and ever increasing population. To ascertain how this affects a notable African city, Abuja, a questionnaire design was employed to elicit resident’s perception on the causes and effects of sprawl in the city. A principal component analysis was performed to simplify the relationship between large bodies of variables involved. This was able to collapse the 14 variables representing the causes of sprawl extracted from the response of the respondents and 9 variables representing the effects of sprawl on the environment and on the residents into significant and orthogonal components that explained the variables in the observed data. Among the nine factors that loaded highly on the components, population was the major factor discovered to be responsible for the sprawl. The analysis further showed the main effects of the sprawl on the city as: loss of biodiversity, high dependency on car, traffic congestion, land degradation, alteration of microclimate, destruction of aesthetics, increasing crime wave, pollution and waste management problems. Adhering to the guidelines on urban development for the city will help the residents not to be prone to the effects of urban sprawl and help to maintain good environmental standards and less spending on maintenance on the part of the government.